Ashok Gehlot hints at entering Congress presidential poll fray if party wishes

After more than two decades, the Congress is likely to see a contest for the post of its chief, with Shashi Tharoor looking set to enter the fray after his meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot indicating that he might throw his hat in the ring

In a clear indication that he could throw his hat in the ring for the Congress presidential polls, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on September 21 said he will file his nomination if his party people wish so and fulfil any responsibility given to him.

However, Mr. Gehlot, who is set to go to Kochi later in the day, said he will make one last-ditch effort to convince Rahul Gandhi to take up the party president's post. Speaking with reporters after landing in New Delhi from Jaipur, Mr. Gehlot said he will take decisions with which the Congress is strengthened.

"The party and high command have given me everything. I have been on posts for 40-50 years. For me no post is important, I will fulfil any responsibility given to me," he said.

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He also asserted that not only the Gandhi family, but scores of Congress members have faith in him. "I am very fortunate that I have got love and affection of Congressmen and women across the country and they have faith in me," Mr. Gehlot said.

"Therefore, if they ask me to fill the form [nomination], I will not be able to refuse... Will speak with friends. I was given the responsibility of being Rajasthan Chief Minister, I am fulfilling that responsibility as a CM and will continue to do so," said Mr. Gehlot.

On whether keeping both posts of the CM and party president could be a violation of the party's pledges in Udaipur, Mr. Gehlot said that applies when the high command nominates people, while the presidential polls were an open election and anybody among the 9,000 PCC delegates, irrespective of whether that person is MP, MLA or minister, can contest.